The Grind continues in Suisun City

From Daily Republic // July 17, 2005

By Ian Thompson

SUISUN CITY - Overstuffed chairs next to a fireplace and a wide variety of coffee blends ranging from a caramel mocha to an iced cappuccino or a Fog Lifter are what the newly opened It's A Grind Coffee House in Suisun City offers.

"People will be impressed with the quality of our coffee and products served in a relaxing environment with cozy chairs and a crackling fireplace," owner Tim McCabe said.

The Suisun City location across Highway 12 from the Sunset Shopping Center is the second store opening for McCabe who opened his first It's A Grind Coffee House in Galt in 2003.

This is McCabe's second career after spending 27 years in retail management, including 12 years as an executive for Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

"I had decided it was time to try something on my own," McCabe said of his career change. "(Running coffee houses) is a fun business that is still growing and is popular."

Before opening his first store, McCabe attended a "coffee boot camp" in Southern California where he learned how to make the best coffees.

McCabe's two stores are part of a five-year-old specialty coffee house franchise that has 57 stores in 11 states ranging from Pennsylvania to California.

He picked the Suisun City location because it's next to Highway 12 and because the Fairfield-Suisun population of coffee drinkers is still growing.

"I felt it was a good fit for what we are doing," McCabe said.

The coffee shop offers a variety of micro-roasted coffees from around the world as well as espresso and ice blended coffee drinks made from scratch. Bagels, muffins, scones and other assorted bakery items round out the menu.

"There is a little bit of everything for everybody," McCabe said.

It's A Grind Coffee House makes it a point to serve customers at their tables. It has a complete kids' menu and even offers a sampler bar where customers can try out as many as six blends a day.

The kids menu is aimed at parents who want to bring their children in "and allow the children to enjoy themselves as well," McCabe said.

"Our It's A Grind Coffee House not only provides an exceptional coffee experience, but customers who come in immediately feel at home," McCabe said. "The store provides living-room-like touches with an upscale, comfortable environment filled with wingback chairs, a cozy fireplace and sounds of blues and jazz."

The shop also offers catering packages for events such as office parties, birthdays and other special events.

McCabe also plans to be an active part of the Suisun City community with plans for regularly hosting events such as Little League registrations, charitable fund-raisers, sports award dinners and other functions.

Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.